Article 39. Composition of SenateHow the Senate is made up

The Senate shall consist of sixteen members (in this Constitution referred to as "Senators") who shall be appointed by the Governor-General by instrument under the Public Seal in accordance with the provisions of this Article.

The Senate has sixteen members, called "Senators" in this Constitution. The Governor-General appoints them by an instrument (a formal written document) under the Public Seal (the official seal of The Bahamas), following the rules in this Article.

Nine Senators shall be appointed by the Governor-General acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister.

The Governor-General appoints nine Senators on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Four Senators shall be appointed by the Governor-General acting in accordance with the advice of the Leader of the Opposition.

The Governor-General appoints four Senators on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition.

Three Senators shall be appointed by the Governor-General acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition.

The Governor-General appoints three Senators on the advice of the Prime Minister, given after the Prime Minister has consulted the Leader of the Opposition.

Whenever any person vacates his seat as a Senator for any reason other than a dissolution of Parliament, the Governor-General shall as soon as practicable appoint a person to fill the vacancy under the same provisions of this Article as those under which the person whose seat has became vacant was appointed.

Whenever a Senator's seat becomes vacant for any reason other than a dissolution of Parliament (the end of the life of a Parliament, so that a general election follows), the Governor-General must appoint someone to fill the vacancy as soon as practicable. The new Senator is appointed under the same provision of this Article as the Senator whose seat became vacant.